In a horrifying act of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 21 people lost their lives when Islamic State-backed rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked a Catholic church compound in Komanda during the early hours of Sunday. The assault, which took place around 1 a.m., has sent shockwaves through the already conflict-weary region of Ituri province.
The tragic incident unfolded when armed rebels stormed the church premises while many residents were asleep. According to Dieudonné Duranthabo, a civil society coordinator in Komanda, both the interior and exterior of the church saw indiscriminate killings.
“More than 21 people were shot dead inside and outside, and we have recorded at least three charred bodies. Several homes and shops were also set ablaze,” Duranthabo told the Associated Press. “But the search is continuing.”
Disputed Death Toll Adds to the Chaos
While civil society groups and local leaders put the death toll at 21 or higher, a Congolese army spokesperson stationed in Ituri province reported only 10 confirmed deaths at the time of the attack. The discrepancy highlights the ongoing challenges of information gathering in a region plagued by insurgency and poor communication infrastructure.
Authorities and humanitarian organizations fear the death toll could rise as the search continues for missing persons amid the rubble of destroyed houses and smoldering church structures.
Who Are the ADF?
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), originally a Ugandan rebel group, has become one of the most violent and dangerous militant factions in Central Africa. In recent years, they pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and have increasingly targeted civilians, churches, and public infrastructure to spread fear and destabilize the region.
ADF fighters have been responsible for hundreds of civilian deaths in the past year alone in Congo’s eastern provinces. Their shift from guerrilla-style warfare to brutal terrorist tactics marks a dangerous escalation in the group’s operations.
Community Gripped by Fear
The residents of Komanda are reeling from the brutal attack, with many families mourning their loved ones and others fleeing the area in fear of another strike. Emergency responders and local leaders are working to provide shelter and support for the affected families.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as a nightmare. “We woke up to gunshots and screams,” said Marie Kalume, a local resident who lost her cousin in the attack. “When we came out in the morning, our church was burned, our homes were burned, and so many people were dead.”
Government Condemnation and Response
The Congolese government has strongly condemned the attack, promising swift action and increased military presence in Komanda and other vulnerable areas. However, citizens remain skeptical, citing past failures to prevent ADF attacks despite military operations in the region.
Security analysts suggest that the government must now take more aggressive and coordinated steps, not just militarily but also through community engagement and intelligence gathering, to dismantle the growing insurgency in eastern Congo.
International Community Urged to Act
Human rights organizations and local leaders are calling on the international community to step up support for Congo’s fight against extremist groups. “What happened in Komanda is not just a local tragedy—it’s a warning,” said one local activist. “If these groups are not stopped, more churches, more schools, more families will suffer.”
A Nation in Mourning
As funerals begin and survivors try to rebuild, Komanda becomes the latest tragic chapter in a conflict that has persisted for decades. The attack on a place of worship, meant to be a sanctuary of peace, has once again highlighted the vulnerability of civilians caught in the crossfire of extremist violence.
